DPWH to dismantle NLEX, SLEX billboards

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said yesterday it would start dismantling illegal billboards along the North and South Luzon Expressways this Saturday in line with its continuing implementation of "Oplan Baklas Billboard."

DPWH Assistant Secretary Rafael Yabut told reporters during an occular inspection of billboards at the NLEX and SLEX that they are taking advantage of the good weather this summer.

"All billboards that are structurally unsafe, in violation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Building Code, or lacking necessary permits will be immediately dismantled. Our top priority is the safety of the general public," Yabut said.

He explained that most billboards along NLEX and SLEX were oversized and constructed near power lines, making them a threat to commuters and motorists.

The DPWH official also said they would run after owners of lots where illegal billboards were put up by including them in civil or criminal cases to be filed in courts.

In coordination with the DPWH- National Building Code Development Office, Yabut also instructed the DPWH regional directors and district engineers to coordinate with local building officials in the area and the billboard owners to secure the necessary permit or voluntarily dismantle their illegal and unsafe billboards.

NBCDO director Emmanuel Cuntapay said the billboard owners should secure DPWH clearance if the billboard is located along national and secondary roads while the building permit, and installation of sign and signboard permit should be obtained from the local government units.

"We are not against billboard advertising, we are just ensuring that billboard structures comply with the existing rules and regulations of the National Building Code," Cuntapay said.

Alan Jeffrey Ang of the Manila North Tollways Corp. reported that there are 112 billboards at the NLEX.